One of the most daunting challenges for any aspiring mixology degree student is creating a signature cocktail. However, once you can make a few decent classics such as the margarita and the Manhattan, the next step is to dive in and experiment with combinations of flavours and finishers until you find your winning formula.
Having a signature cocktail will boost your pride and confidence in your mixologist abilities, and will add a touch of sophistication to your social gatherings. Nothing is guaranteed to impress your guests more than a unique cocktail experience! If you are pursuing a bartending career, then a signature cocktail will add serious heft to your CV.
Here are some top tips to create a signature cocktail with the wow factor.
Consider your inspirations
Start by thinking about what drew you to cocktail making in the first place: was it a particular ingredient or flavour, or maybe a place you visited; a particular country, time of year, bar, or festive event? You may wish to choose ingredients that tie in with your cultural heritage, or complement the type of food you like to eat.
This will help you feel an emotional investment in your cocktail and inspire you to try your favourite ingredients in new and creative ways.
Aim for a perfect balance of flavours
The key to a really solid cocktail is a pleasing balance of flavours. Touches of sweet and sour, and one or two slightly different or disruptive elements, such as bitter, salty, floral, or herbs. Very sweet ingredients should be balanced with acidic citrus fruits or alcohol, and bitterness should be counterbalanced with rich smooth flavours.
This will bring depth and complexity to the flavour profile of your drink, helping to make it sophisticated and memorable. However, don’t be tempted to overcomplicate things: start with a base spirit then and two or three complementary flavours. Remember that you can simply balance out sweetness with a touch of salt on the rim of the glass.
Build the cocktail around the base spirit
Consider the flavour profile of your base spirit carefully, such as the fruit overtones in gin or tequila, or the more neutral taste of vodka. Remember that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel; you can start with your favourite cocktail and swap out one of the ingredients for another.
Experiment with adding syrups or liqueurs for sweetness and citrus for acidity and sourness. Carry out taste tests with a cleansed palate and keep tweaking your recipe until you find the perfect balance.
Pay attention to the presentation
The perfect cocktail not only tastes good, but also looks good. However, most amateur mixologists tend to go OTT rather than do too little when it comes to presenting a drink. Show restraint and avoid gimmicks or random ornaments that do not also contribute to the overall flavour and style of the cocktail.
Fruit peels and twists or springs of fresh herbs always look classy, and will also enhance the flavour and aroma of the drink.
